I've recently noticed that statues representing Amitabha look almost EXACTLY the same as statues representing Shakyamuni. Are there any tell-tale signs to look out for to tell the two apart? Does it even matter?

Well Many of the Amitabh Statues have a kinda slouchy posture. They will also be in the Meditation Mudra where both hands are either stacked or fingers curled and touching in the lap. Also Amitabh is likely to have a dot between his eyes.

These are just a few things Ive gatherd over time.

Metta

Gabriel

"Beautifully taught is the Lord's Dhamma, immediately apparent, timeless, of the nature of a personal invitation, progressive, to be attained by the wise, each for himself." Anguttara Nikaya V.332

That is true, they both look almost identical. I have bought some Amitabha statues, but use them for my purposes as images of Buddha since they are so similar in appearance.

Usually both Amitabha and Buddha have the dot between the eyes, representing the 'third eye' of enlightenment or the 'Divine eye.'

Amitabha usually has his hands forming two circles in his lap. Whereas the Buddha is usually depicted with the teaching mudra or in the 'earth witness' where one hand is reaching for the ground when the earth witnessed his enlightenment.

If you have asked me of the origination of unease, then I shall explain it to you in accordance with my understanding: Whatever various forms of unease there are in the world, They originate founded in encumbering accumulation. (Pārāyanavagga)

Exalted in mind, just open and clearly aware, the recluse trained in the ways of the sages:One who is such, calmed and ever mindful, He has no sorrows! -- Udana IV, 7